DENR, partners release turtle hatchlings in Zambales

IBA, Zambales , Philippines — Community groups and government partners released 70 olive ridley turtle hatchlings to the sea in San Felipe, Zambales, as part of efforts to protect marine wildlife, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported.

According to the DENR, the release came after communities and environment groups, including the Laoag Integrated Fisherfolk Association and the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Maloma, helped protect and monitor turtle nests to ensure eggs are hatched safely.

Ralph Pablo, DENR regional executive director, said the joint government and community efforts to protect the turtles would help the environmental conservation efforts.

Olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are listed as vulnerable species in the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.